This month’ s cover story, which can be found on page 14, features David Reynders, CTO, Merchant Capital. He tells us how his career journey from highvoltage engineering through healthcare tech and mobile payments has shaped his approach to leading innovation in SME lending.

Since joining Merchant Capital in 2015, Reynders has overseen its transformation from manual, paper-heavy processes to scalable, technology-driven operations capable of approving loans in minutes. His leadership has enabled the company to fund tens of thousands of SMEs while building digital tools that also help banks lend more effectively.

Looking ahead, he says the focus is on streamlining customer experiences without overcomplicating them, while ensuring technology remains a strategic enabler of growth. Reynders highlights the evolving role of CTOs as product strategists and team builders, critical for navigating fast-moving digital and regulatory environments.

He believes innovation in automation, AI and datadriven insights will continue to reshape financial services, with culture and talent development as essential drivers of long-term success.

Elsewhere, we learn how a year after the takedown of LockBit, ransomware has only grown more pervasive, with new groups infiltrating networks worldwide. Despite huge spending on tools and training, businesses remain vulnerable because the industry has sold them a false sense of security.

John McLoughlin, CEO of J2 Software, argues that true protection lies not in products but in visibility, resilience and continuous monitoring. He warns that banning ransom payments would only drive incidents underground and punish victims rather than deter criminals.

The real solution is a living incident response plan, regularly updated and tailored to each organisation’ s risks. Ultimately, businesses cannot buy security but must build it through preparation, adaptability and the ability to respond effectively. You can read more starting on page 24.

Don’ t forget, you can stay informed with daily news updates on our website, where we bring you the latest insights and developments from the world of business technology. I’ d like to wish you a productive and successful month ahead. Please enjoy this issue and take your time to explore the articles we have prepared for you. See you next time.

Mark Bowen Editorial Director

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